This article will be a compilation of the birth information of holy beings who were associated with divine deities in some way or other through their selfless devotion and steadfast worship. They have contributed immensely to tradition and history at large through their forte in multidimensional fields spanning across Music, Dance, Yoga, Art, Science, Alchemy, Astronomy, Astrology, Medicine, Manuscripts and a host of other literary masterpieces. Notwithstanding their phenomenal oeuvre and massive contributions that have led to mankind being blessed with literary materials in abundance, they were always devoted taking refuge at the feet of the Lord and dedicating all their achievements to the higher spiritual realm. Lets look at the list of these saintly doyens and document their associated Nakshatra/Birth Information.
63 Nayanmars
The Nayanmars or the Nayanars as they are called were a group of 63 Shaivite Tamil poet saints who were believed to have lived roughly between around the 6th to 9th century. They were known largely for their decorated veneration towards Lord Shiva by singing his hymns and praises across numerous Shiva temples. Listed below is the list of Nayanars along with their birth Nakshatra
1) Thiru Nilakanda Nayanar – Thai – Visagam / Vishakha
2) Iyarpakai Nayanar – Margazhi – Uthiram / Uttara Phalguni
3) Ilayankudimara Nayanar – Avani – Magam / Magha
4) Meypporul Nayanar – Karthikai – Uthiram / Uttara Phalguni
5) Viranminda Nayanar – Chithirai – Thiruvadhirai / Aarudra
6) Amarnidhi Nayanar – Ani – Pooram / Poorva Phalguni
7) Eripaththa Nayanar – Masi – Hastham / Hastha
8) Enathinatha Nayanar – Purattasi – Uthiram / Uttara Phalguni
9) Kannappa Nayanar – Thai – Mrigaseerisham / Mrigashira
10) Kunkiliyak Kalaya Nayanar – Avani – Moolam / Moola
11) Manak Kanychara Nayanar – Markazhi – Swathi
12) Arivattaya Nayanar – Thai – Thiruvadhirai / Aarudra
13) Anaya Nayanar – Karthikai – Hastham / Hastha
14) Murthi Nayanar – Adi – Karthigai / Krithika
15) Muruga Nayanar – Vaikasi – Moolam / Moola
16) Uthira Pasupathi Nayanar – Purattasi – Ashwini
17) Thirunalai Povar Nayanar – Purattasi – Rohini
18) Thirukkuripputh Thondar Nayanar –Chithirai – Swathi
19) Chandicha Nayanar – Thai – Uthiram / Uttara Phalguni
20) Thiru Navukkarasar Nayanar – Chithirai – Sadayam / Satabhisha
21) Kulachirai Nayanar – Avani – Anusham / Anuradha
22) Perumizalai Kurumba Nayanar – Adi – Chithirai / Chitra
23) Karaikkal Ammayar Nayanar – Panguni – Swathi
24) Appoodhi Adikalar Nayanar – Thai – Sadayam / Satabhisha
25) Thiru Nilakanda Nayanar – Vaikasi – Moolam / Moola
26) Naminadhi Nayanar – Vaikasi – Poosam / Pushya
27) Thiru Gnana Sambandhar Nayanar – Vaikasi – Moolam / Moola
28) Eyarkon Kalikamar Nayanar – Ani – Revathi
29) Thirumoola Nayanar – Aippasi – Ashwini
30) Dhandiyadikal Nayanar – Panguni – Sadayam / Satabhisha
31) Moorkka Nayanar – Karthikai – Moolam / Moola
32) Chomachimara Nayanar – Vaikasi – Aayilyam / Ashlesha
33) Chakkiya Nayanar – Margazhi – Pooradam / Poorva Ashada
34) Chirappuli Nayanar- Karthikai – Pooradam / Poorva Ashada
35) Chiruthonda Nayanar – Chithirai – Bharani
36) Kazarirru Arivar Nayanar /Cheraman Perumal Nayanar – Adi – Swathi
37) Gana Nadha Nayanar – Panguni – Thiruvadhirai / Aarudra
38) Kurruva Nayanar – Adi – Thiruvadhirai / Aarudra
39) Pugazh Chozha Nayanar – Adi – Karthigai / Krithika
40) Narchinga Munaiyaraiya Nayanar – Purattasi – Sadayam / Satabhisha
41) Adhipaththa Nayanar – Avani – Aayilyam / Ashlesha
42) Kalikkamba Nayanar – Thai – Revathi
43) Kaliya Nayanar – Adi – Kettai / Jyeshta
44) Chaththi Nayanar – Aippasi – Poosam / Pushya
45) Aiyadikal Kadavar Kon Nayanar – Aippasi – Moolam / Moola
46) Kanampulla Nayanar – Karthikai – Karthigai / Krithika
47) Kari Nayanar – Masi – Pooradam / Poorva Ashada
48) Ninra Chir Nedumara Nayanar – Aippasi – Barani
49) Vayilar Nayanar – Margazhi – Revathi
50) Munaiyaduyar Nayanar – Panguni – Poosam / Pushya
51) Kazharchinka Nayanar – Vaikasi – Barani
52) Idankazhi Nayanar – Aippasi – Karthikai – Karthigai / Krithika
53) Cheruththunai Nayanar – Avani – Poosam / Pushya
54) Pugazh Thunai Nayanar – Avani – Aayilyam / Ashlesha
55) Kotpuli Nayanar – Adi – Kettai / Jyeshta
56) Pusalar Nayanar – Aippasi – Anusham
57) Mangayar Karasiyar Nayanar – Chithirai – Rohini
58) Nesa Nayanar – Panguni – Rohini
59) Kochengat Chozha Nayanar – Masi – Sadayam / Satabhisha
60) Thiru Nilakanda Yazhppana Nayanar – Vaikasi – Moolam / Moola
61) Sadaiya Nayanar – Markazhi – Thiruvadhirai / Aarudra
62) Isaignaniyar Nayanar – Chithirai – Chithirai / Chitra
63) Sundaramurthy Nayanar – Adi – Swathi
The names of the Nayanars were first compiled by Sundarar (Sundaramurthy Nayanar) and later expanded by Nambiyandar Nambi in the 10th century who included Sundarar also in the canonical list as #63. There are also said to be 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams which are said to be the Shiva temples glorified through devotional verses and poetic hymns composed by the Nayanars. This list also became 276 later with the introduction of an additional Shiva temple called Thiruvidaivayil as its believed that initially the manuscripts were missing and once the authentic verses happened to be discovered, it was integrated by the scholars and the tally extended to 276. Out of these 63 Nayanars, 3 of them happen to be females viz Karaikkal Amaiyyar (#23), Mangayar Karasiyar (#57) and Isaignaniyar (#62). Isaignaniyar's husband Sadaiya Nayanar (#61) and son Sundaramurthy (#63) also form part of the list of Nayanmars.
While there are 63 Nayanars, the initial 275 temples are specifically identified and designated by the work of 3 of the Nayanars. The hymns composed by these three Nayanars are compiled into the first seven volumes of the Shaivite holy canon known as the Tevaram. The 3 Saints are by themselves identified as the Moovar (translated as "The Three Great Saints"). The Moovars are namely:
- Thiru Gnana Sambandhar Nayanar (#27 in above list of 63)
- Thiru Navukkarasar Nayanar also known popularly as "Appar" (#20 in above list of 63)
- Sundaramurthy Nayanar also known as "Sundarar" (#63 in above list of 63)
There is however one prominent saint called Manickavasagar who is missed out in the list of 63 Nayanars and not considered as one of the Nayanars. This is because Saint Manickavasagar's timing fell outside the list of 63 Nayanars compiled by Nambiyandar Nambi around the 10th century. Manickavasagar's entry was at a slightly later point in time and he instead gets grouped under the status of the "Naalvar" (Translated as the 4 great saints). The author "Sekkizhar" in his 12th century work titled "Periya Puranam" mentions the 4 names which includes the 3 Moovars plus Manickavasagar. Thus the Naalvar consists of the 3 major Tevaram hymnists alongside Manickavasagar who penned the literary work of Thiruvasagam. In almost all of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, you can witness dedicated shrines of most Nayanars and especially the 4 hallowed saints termed as the "Naalvar". The 4 preceptors or Naalvars are listed below:
- Thiru Gnana Sambandhar Nayanar also known as "Sambandhar" (#27 in above list of 63)
- Thiru Navukkarasar Nayanar also known popularly as "Appar" (#20 in above list of 63)
- Sundaramurthy Nayanar also known as "Sundarar" (#63 in above list of 63)
- Manickavasagar originally coined as "Vadavoorar" (Not part of the list of Nayanars but grouped under "Naalvar" by Sekkizhar in Periya Puranam)
Thus, we have 63 Nayanars and additionally Manickavasagar who is not part of the list of 63. Later, there have also been references of a 64th Nayanar added in the form of the venerated Tamil Poet "Thiruvalluvar" from Mylapore who is known for penning the majestic work of "Thirukkural". However most popular rosters list only the 63 Nayanars and there is no place specifically for Manickavasagar or Thiruvalluvar as their time period was outside the list initially compiled as 63. Lets however document the Nakshatra information of both Manickavasagar and Thiruvalluvar along with Deiva Sekkizhar who was a 12th century poet who authored "Periya Puranam" detailing the lives of the 63 famous Shiva devotees or Nayanmars and also that of the scholar Nambiyandar Nambi who initially compiled the list of 63 Nayanars in the "Tevaram" which later became the basis for Sekkizhar to author the "Periya Puranam". Also documenting the information of the great King Raja Raja Chozha who was a contemporary of Nambiyandar Nambi. The King requested Nambiyandar Nambi to compile the lost Shaivite Thirumurais and hence he was also instrumental in recovering the divine hymns composed by the Nayanars. The King's son Rajendra Chozha, another great Chozha emperor was also a great Shiva Bhakta and responsible for the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.
One more thing to note is that in many of the cases listed of the Nayanars, the Nakshatra information may not be the one in which these great saints historically took birth due to lack of recording the same but can be linked to their Guru Pooja day which is when they attained mukti and became one with the Gods. Many of the traditional celebrations and primary day observed of the Nayanars is linked largely to their liberation day.
- Manickavasagar – Ani – Magam / Magha
- Thiruvalluvar - Vaikasi – Anusham / Anuradha
- Deiva Sekkizhar - Vaikasi – Poosam / Pushya
- Nambiyandar Nambi – Vaikasi – Punarpoosam / Punarvasu
- Sri Raja Raja Chozha – Aippasi – Sadayam / Satabhisha
- Sri Rajendra Chozha – Adi – Thiruvadhirai / Aarudra
There is an additional important grouping to be noted especially relating to the Naalvars of the Nayanars. The Naalvars also belong to a classification called as 'Kuravars' who are known for being spiritual teachers, preceptors and enlightened souls. Kuravars by themselves are divided into 2 groupings namely Samaya Kuravars and Santhana Kuravars. The Nalvars are also called as the "4 Samaya Kuravars" and are said to be preceptors of religion and devotion. Another category of "Kuravars" are termed as the "4 Santhana Kuravars" mentioned to be preceptors of philosophy and lineage. The Santhana Kuravars are again classified into 2 groups of 4 each termed as "Agach Santhana Kuravar" and "Purach Santhana Kuravar". The former relates to the inner or celestial lineage and are said to reside in Mount Kailash whereas the latter pertains to the outer or earthly lineage referring to scholars who lived on Mother Earth. The Agach Santhana Kuravars are believed to have received the ultimate truth directly from the source of wisdom and knowledge of Lord Dakshinamurthy who is an aspect of Lord Shiva himself. The Purach Santhana Kuravars were human saints and erudite scholars who walked the earth and spread knowledge. The Purach Santhana Kuravars or just Santhana Kuravars as they are usually quoted are said to have lived around 500 years later than the Samaya Kuravars / Naalvars in about the 13th to 14th century. Listing below the birth information of the Purach Santhana Kuravars
- Meykandar – Aippasi – Anusham / Anuradha
- Arul Nandhi Shivam – Purattasi – Pooram / Poorva Phalguni
- Maraignana Sambandhar – Avani – Uthiram / Uttara Phalguni
- Umapathi Shivachariyar – Chithirai – Hastham / Hastha
Thus, to summarize on the Kuravars. Kuravars are of 2 categories viz Shaiva Samaya Kuravars and Shaiva Santhana Kuravars. The Santhana Kuravars are further divided into 2 sub classifications of 4 each known as Agach Santhana Kuravars and Purach Santhana Kuravars. Listed below the names of the Samaya Kuravars and the Santhana Kuravars
The Samaya Kuravars also known as Naalvars:
- Thiru Gnana Sambandhar also known as "Sambandhar"
- Thiru Navukkarasar also known as "Appar"
- Sundaramurthy also known as "Sundarar"
- Manickavasagar originally known as "Vadavoorar"
The Agach Santhana Kuravars:
- Thiru Nandi Devar known as being Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull
- Sanath Kumara known to be a mind born son of Lord Brahma
- Satya Gyana Darshini is a celestial saint from the higher realms
- Paranjyoti Munivar is a divine sage who briefly descended to earth to pass on the knowledge
The Purach Santhana Kuravars:
- Meykandar originally born as Tiruvennainallur and mentioned to be a prodigy
- Arul Nandhi Shivam known as Sakalagama Panditar - master of all sacred Agamas
- Maraignana Sambandar known as Kankatti Bandaram due to tying cloth over eyes to control senses
- Umapathi Shivachariyar known as Korravankudi Sivam by the name of his village
Since the saints belonging as part of Agach Santhana Kuravars are said to be divine creations that ascended directly in Mount Kailash and not Earth, there is no birth information about them. The tradition of the Agach Santhana Kuravars is said to begin from Lord Dakshinamurthy. The Adi Guru is said to be the primary Guru of Nandi Devar and Nandi Devar in turn is said to be the Guru of Sanath Kumara and so on. The 4th Agach Kuravar Paranjyoti Munivar however was briefly instructed to descend from Kailash to Earth in order to pass on the knowledge. He discovered a noteworthy disciple in the form of a 2 year old prodigy called Tiruvennainallur. He initiated and invoked the child about the final truth and higher knowledge giving him the title of Meykandar. Thus Meykandar from Purach Santhana Kuravar is said to be the disciple of Paranjyoti Munivar who is said to be the root of knowledge transfer from the group of Agach Santhana Kuravars to Purach Santhana Kuravars. The Purach Santhana Kuravars are together responsible for having penned the Meikanda Shastras which are 14 foundational philosophical texts of Tamil Shaiva Siddhantham.
Additionally, from the list of the Agach Santhana Kuravars, Sanath Kumara is also considered as one of the Kumaras and is grouped under the classification of 'Sanakadi Rishis'. They are said to be mind born sons of Lord Brahma with their life long goal being inclined to the pursuit of learning and spiritual service. These 4 Sages are usually seen under the tutelage of Lord Dakshinamurthy to seek the ultimate truth and get imparted with supreme knowledge. Listed below are the names of the Sanakadi Rishis
The Sanakadi Rishis or 4 Kumaras:
- Sanaka
- Sanandana
- Sanatana
- Sanath Kumara
12 Alvars
In very similar vein to the Nayanars, the Alvars are said to be 12 specific Tamil poet saints who lived between the 5th and 10th century and showcased their deep devotion and admiration to Lord Vishnu in the form of divine hymns and citations. Their extensive work has been compiled in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham consisting of 4000 verses. Like how Nayanars upheld the Shaivite tradition, the Alvars spread the bhakti movement and shaped the Sri Vaishnava tradition. Akin to the 275 Padal Petra Sthalams dedicated to Lord Shiva where Nayanars have potrayed their devotions, here there are 108 temples popularly coined as "Divya Desams" where the Alvars have sung hymns, expressed devotion and paid obeisance to Lord Vishnu. Out of the 108 Divya Desams, only 106 are in the physical realm belonging in Planet Earth with 105 of these located in India and the one located outside India being at Saligramam in Nepal. The two Divya Desams not located on Earth happen to be Kshira Sagara - the divine ocean in Heaven and Vaikunta - the heavenly abode of Vishnu & Lakshmi. Listed below is the list of Alvars along with their Thiru Nakshatra which is the holy birth star of divine manifestations.
1) Poigai Alvar – Aippasi – Tiruvonam / Shravana
2) Bhoothath Alvar – Aippasi– Avittam / Dhanishta
3) Pei Alvar – Aippasi – Sadayam / Satabhisha
4) Thirumalisai Alvar – Thai – Magam / Magha
5) Namm Alvar – Vaikasi – Visagam / Vishakha
6) Madhura Kavi Alvar – Chithirai – Chithirai / Chitra
7) Kulasekara Alvar – Masi – Punarpoosam / Punarvasu
8) Periya Alvar – Ani – Swathi
9) Andal Alvar– Adi – Pooram / Poorva Phalguni
10) Thondaradipodi Alvar – Margazhi – Kettai / Jyeshta
11) Thiruppan Alvar – Karthikai – Rohini
12) Thiru Mangai Alvar – Karthikai – Karthigai / Krithika
Out of the 12 Alvars, the only solitary female saint happens to be Devi Andal. In fact Andal is also the most well known of the Alvars and commands separate deity worship in most Vaishnava temples. Her effusive devotion and profusive love towards Lord Ranganatha is said to be unparalleled and expressed in reverence through her divine pasurams. All the 12 Alvars are also associated with a symbol of Lord Vishnu and represent a form or avatar of Vishnu. Lets look at the symbolic connection of Alvars with Lord Vishnu:
- Poigai Alvar – Panchajanya (Vishnu's Conch)
- Bhoothath Alvar – Kaumodaki (Vishnu's Mace)
- Pei Alvar – Nandaka (Vishnu's Sword)
- Thirumalisai Alvar – Sudarshana Chakra (Vishnu's Discus)
- Namm Alvar – Vishwak Sena (Vishnu's Commander)
- Madhura Kavi Alvar – Padma (Vishnu's Lotus)
- Kulasekara Alvar – Kaustubha (Vishnu's Necklace)
- Periya Alvar – Garuda (Vishnu's Mount)
- Andal Alvar – Bhoo Devi (Vishnu's wife, the Earth Goddess)
- Thondaradipodi Alvar – Vanamalai (Vishnu's Garland)
- Thiruppan Alvar – Srivatsa (Vishnu's Chest consisting of an auspicious mark)
- Thiru Mangai Alvar – Saranga (Vishnu's Bow)
Apart from the Alvars, there were also few other prominent personalities who propagated and spread the Vaishnava philosophy. Though, they may not be classified or acknowledged as one among the Alvars, they are still very widely revered and venerated by the Vaishnava community. Sriman Nathamuni is credited for resurrecting the lost 4000 Divya Prabandhams. Swami Alavandar also known as Yamunacharya is the grandson of Nathamuni and widely known as the grand guru of Ramanuja setting the groundwork for Advaita philosophy and also penned the Stotra Ratnam. Sri Thirukkottiyur Nambi also called Goshti Purana was a renowned guru who tested Sri Ramanujacharya eighteen times before revealing the inner meanings of sacred mantras. Sri Periya Nambi also known as Purna Acharya is the main guru of Ramanuja who was instrumental in initiating him into the Vaishnava fold. Sri Koorath Azhwan also known as Kuresa was the primary disciple of Ramanuja and is believed to have saved him from a Chola King, also known for being an incarnation of Vishnu's mark on his chest "Srivatsa". Ramanujacharya is considered as a great reformer and central proponent of the Vaishnava philosophy. Sri Ananth Azhwan also known as Ananta Acharya was a devoted disciple whom Sri Ramanujacharya sent to Tirumala to establish a flower garden for Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Engal Azhwan also called Vishnuchitta was a noted scholar who wrote commentaries on the Vishnu Purana. Swami Mudali Andan also known as Dasarathi is considered as one of the foremost disciples of Ramanujacharya and also mentioned to be an incarnation of Lord Rama is known for establishing Pancha Narayana temples as per the instruction of his Guru. Parashara Bhattar, the son of Koorathazhwan is said to have written the commentary for the definitive Vishnu Sahasranamam. Vedanta Desikar also known as Venkatanatha is believed to have revived sacred texts and known for many religious and poetic works and also said to be an Avatar of Ghanta, the bell pertaining to Sri Venkateshwara Perumal Temple of Tirumala. Manavala Mamunigal is widely celebrated in temples like Srirangam and is also believed to be a manifestation of the divine serpent Adishesha. Lets take a look at the birth information of these famous Vaishnava saints.
- Sriman Nathamuni – Ani – Anusham / Anuradha
- Swami Alavandar – Adi – Uthiradam / Uttara Ashada
- Sri Thirukkottiyur Nambi – Vaikasi – Rohini
- Sri Periya Nambi – Margazhi – Kettai / Jyeshta
- Sri Koorath Azhwan – Thai – Hastham / Hastha
- Sri Ramanujacharya – Chithirai – Thiruvadhirai / Aarudra
- Sri Ananth Azhwan – Chithirai – Chithirai / Chitra
- Sri Engal Azhwan – Chithirai – Rohini
- Swami Mudali Andan – Chithirai – Punarpoosam / Punarvasu
- Parashara Bhattar – Vaikasi – Anusham / Anuradha
- Vedanta Desikar – Purattasi – Tiruvonam / Shravana
- Sri Manavala Mamunigal – Aippasi – Moolam / Moola
18 Siddhars
In the Tamil Siddha tradition, 18 sages are mentioned as prominent and are said to have lived during the times of the Gods dating way back to the time when the epics Ramayana & Mahabharatha were scripted. They are said to have made pioneering progress in a significant number of fields. These Siddhars are also known for their staunch devotion to the divine and have even been like a guiding force to the deities. There are mythological stories of the Siddhars consecrating the Linga at various temples and performing worship. They are also known to be mystical and are said to have transcended across time periods with some of them even living across multiple yugas. Unlike the list of the 63 Nayanars or the 12 Alvars, when it comes to the Siddhars there are various variations witnessed and recorded. Different temples have different 18 Siddhars as representations but however majority of them tend to tally across various lists with just a few variances here and there. Sharing below the most common list of 18 Siddhars and their relevant birth information. The listing below is from Arulmigu Sri Kolanjiappan temple at Virudachalam in Cuddalore district which is dedicated mainly to Lord Murugan. Not only are their carvings of the 18 Siddhars here, but it also describes details for each of them such as birth Nakshatra, solar month, time of living period and their place of Jeeva Samadhi.
1) Agathiyar Siddhar – Margazhi – Aayilyam / Ashlesha
2) Patanjali Siddhar – Panguni – Moolam / Moola
3) Thirumoolar Siddhar – Purattasi – Avittam / Dhanishta
4) Kamalamuni Siddhar – Vaikasi – Poosam/ Pushya
5) Kudambai Siddhar – Adi – Visagam / Vishakha
6) Korakkar Siddhar – Karthikai – Aayilyam / Ashlesha
7) Dhanvantri Siddhar – Aippasi – Punarpoosam / Punarvasu
8) Sundarananthar Siddhar – Avani – Revathi
9) Konganar Siddhar – Chithirai – Uthiradam / Uttara Ashada
10) Sattaimuni Siddhar – Avani – Mrigaseerisham / Mrigashira
11) Valmiki Siddhar – Purattasi – Anusham / Anuradha
12) Ramadevar Siddhar – Masi – Pooram/ Poorva Phalguni
13) Agapeyar Siddhar – Panguni – Mrigaseerisham / Mrigashira
14) Idaikadhar Siddhar – Purattasi – Thiruvadhirai / Aarudra
15) Machamuni Siddhar – Adi – Rohini
16) Karuvurar Siddhar – Chithirai – Hastham / Hastha
17) Bhogar Siddhar – Vaikasi – Bharani
18) Pambatti Siddhar – Karthikai – Mrigaseerisham / Mrigashira
Apart from the list mentioned above, there are some scattered information which replicates the above list ditto except for Agapeyar Siddhar who is replaced by Nandeeswarar Siddhar. There are also few temples in Chennai consisting idols of the 18 Siddhars. Recounting the ones listed in them to tally for the variations.
Thanga Murugan / Palandi Amman Temple, Vanuvampet - Agathiyar, Pambatti, Ramadevar, Pulippani, Kudambai, Bhogar, Azhugunar, Idaikadhar, Konganar, Sattaimuni, Theraiyar, Machamuni, Pulastya, Korakkar, Thirumoolar, Kalanginathar, Karuvurar, Kamalamuni
Annai Adhi Parasakthi Temple, Pallikaranai - Agathiyar, Siva Vakiyar, Bhogar, Pulastya, Kalanginathar, Sattaimuni, Karuvurar, Azhugunar, Theraiyar, Idaikadhar, Machamuni, Konganar, Pulippani, Thirumoolar, Kamalamuni, Ramadevar, Punnakeesar, Pambatti
Chidambara Periya Swamigal Temple, Velachery - Agathiyar, Thirumoolar, Ramadevar, Sundarananthar, Machamuni, Sattaimuni, Bhogar, Korakkar, Karuvurar, Idaikadhar, Konganar, Dhanvantri, Pambatti, Azhugunar, Siva Vakiyar, Kalanginathar, Punnakeesar, Pulippani
Sri Chakra Maha Meru 18 Siddhar Temple, Madambakkam - Pattinathar, Kaduveli, Siva Vakiyar, Kambili, Bhogar, Pulippani, Vallalar, Idaikadhar, Kaga Bhujandhar, Agapeyar, Kanjamalai, Sennimalai, Kapilar, Karuvurar, Azhugunar, Pambatti, Sattaimuni, Kudambai
Thus, from various sources observed it is pretty evident that there are minor variations witnessed. The list of the last mentioned temple Maha Meru is however of the Siddhars associated with the 9 Navagrahas with 2 Siddhars provided for each of the Navagrahas in order of Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. As some names get used interchangeably, documenting below few of the Siddhars birth information not forming part of the original list of 18 above:
- Siva Vakiyar Siddhar – Thai – Magam / Magha
- Kaga Bhujandar Siddhar – Panguni – Uthiram / Uttara Phalguni
- Pulippani Siddhar – Purattasi - Swathi
- Punnakeesar Siddhar – Vaikasi – Chithirai / Chitra
- Kalangi Nathar Siddhar - Chithirai - Ashwini
- Azhugunar Siddhar – Vaikasi – Visagam / Vishakha
- Theraiyar Sidhar – Vaikasi – Aayilyam / Ashlesha
- Nandeeswarar Siddhar – Vaikasi – Visagam / Vishakha
- Vallalar Siddhar – Purattasi - Chithirai / Chitra
Also, there are few Siddhars who do not form part of the traditional 18 Tamil Siddhars list but tend to be associated with certain Nakshatras. Sharing that also below for reference. Please however note that the information may not be completely accurate, it could be either Thiru Nakshatra or the Guru Pooja Day.
- Vyasa Siddhar – Associated with Jyeshta / Kettai
- Romarishi Siddhar – Associated with Karthigai / Krithika
- Dakshinamurthy Siddhar – Associated with Tiruvonam / Shravana
- Kowbalar Siddhar – Associated with Sadayam / Satabhisha
- Jyoti Muni Siddhar – Associated with Pooratathi / Poorva Bhadrapada
- Damaragar Siddhar – Associated with Uttiratathi / Uttara Bhadrapada
- Pattinathar Siddhar – Associated with Uthiradam / Uttara Ashada
- Kaduveli Siddhar – Associated with Pooradam / Poorva Ashada
7 Saptharishis
Other than the 18 hallowed Siddhars from South, there is also a Rishi tradition termed as 'Saptharishis' known as the 7 divine sages of Hinduism. They are said to be seers embodying divine wisdom and cosmic order. The names of these Rishis keep changing across different cosmic cycles. When it comes to birth information of these venerated Rishis, there isn't much information available especially because these Rishis have transcended across multiple eons. Sharing whatever information that is currently available. As per the current age in existence, the 7 Rishis are listed as below:
1) Vasishta Saptharishi – Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Navami – Poosam / Pushya
2) Vishwamitra Saptharishi – Karthik Shukla Paksha Tritiya – Anusham / Anuradha
3) Gautama Saptharishi – Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratama – No information on Nakshatra
4) Kashyapa Saptharishi – Jyeshta Shukla Paksha Panchami – No information on Nakshatra
5) Bharadwaja Saptharishi – No specific Bharadwaja Jayanthi – No information on Nakshatra
6) Atri Saptharishi – No specific Atri Jayanthi – No information on Nakshatra
7) Jamadagni Saptharishi – No specific Jamadagni Jayanthi – No information on Nakshatra
Based on observation, it is seen that there is not much birth information recorded for the Saptharishis. Only for Rishi Vasishta and Rishi Vishwamitra, there are sources explicitly mentioning that they were born in Pushya and Anuradha respectively. For other Rishis, there is devoid of information when it comes to birth. Also there are other Rishis also who have been part of the Saptharishis cosmic cycle in earlier existences such as Angiras, Bhrigu, Kratu,Kutsa, Garga, Gungu, Marichi, Pulaha, Pulastya, and few others.
There is a common anniversary which takes place for the Rishis as a whole that happens every year termed as Rishi Jayanthi. Universally the Rishis are celebrated on Rishi Jayanthi or Rishi Panchami as its called which occurs on the 5th waxing day of Panchami in the lunar month of Bhadrapada. It normally tends to take place a day after Ganesh Chaturthi which also is on Bhadrapada month but on the 4th waxing day of Chaturthi.
Documenting Few Other Important References:
As we have covered the 63 Nayanars, 12 Alvars, 18 Siddhars and the 7 Saptharishis in detail along with further references of doyens who lived around their time period who didn't get classified under the title of the above listed categories yet contributed heavily through their works and staunch devotion to the divine. One interesting point to note is that there is only one saint who gets to be a primary part of 2 of the lists above which are the 63 Nayanars and 18 Siddhars which happens to be respected 'Sage Thirumoolar'. He is slotted under #29 in the list of 63 Nayanars and you can also find his name in the Siddhar's list at #3 out of the 18 Tamil Siddhars. Though the Siddha list is not completely consistent, there is no question about Thirumoolar not being part of this sacred tradition. You would note the difference however in his Nakshatra and that is because the one listed under 63 Nayanars is the "Guru Pooja Nakshatra" and the one under 18 Siddhars is the "Thiru Nakshatra". Sage Agasthya could also be considered as someone who's part of the 18 Siddhar list and also the 7 Saptharishis probably in an earlier cosmic cycle.
